Hello internet friends it’s been a while. Slick Dungeon here, back to review one of the most memorable and impactful films of all time, the one and only Godzilla. There will be spoilers for the 1954 version of the film. Multiple versions of this movie exist so to clarify, I am sticking to the one currently available for viewing on HBO Max. If you don’t want spoilers, run like there is a giant lizard monster about to stomp down your local cinema and watch the movie then come back here to read the review!
What is Godzilla About?
Put simply, Godzilla is easy to summarize. A giant lizard creature is awakened and stomps around Japan causing death and destruction in its wake. Heroic scientists debate about whether they should kill the creature or take nature’s warning in stride.
If that was all Godzilla was about there is no way this film would have the staying power it does. For a film about a giant monster, full of innovative effects for the time, and tons of insane destruction, this one goes deep. There are multiple levels upon which to understand the film and the eponymous creature.
It’s helpful to remember the context of when this movie was made. This is a post World War II film made in Japan smack dab in the middle of the cold war. It was a frightening time. And what country understood the dangers of nuclear powered weapons better than Japan? The whole film can be seen as a metaphor for nuclear armament.
What Happens in the Film?
Technically there are a few storylines happening in the movie. First we have the story of a little fishing island that has seen Godzilla and tries to warn the rest of the world. There is the story of a love triangle between a woman and two scientists, one of whom has made a discovery that could not only end Godzilla, but all of humanity. And there is the story of Godzilla.
His origins are murky as in the film he is referred to both as a creature who lived in the Jurassic era and as something new awakened by H-Bomb testing. Either way this creature is deadly.
The main draw of the film is watching Godzilla destroy everything in his path. Knocking over buildings is no problem for the creature. Bullets, electricity, and other types of weapons do nothing to slow his path. But there is a scientist named Dr. Daisuke Serizawa who has made a remarkable discovery. He has invented a device capable of sucking all of the oxygen out of water. Serizawa knows his invention is lethal and in the wrong hands could lead to the death of humanity.
I won’t give away if he uses this weapon or not just in case you haven’t watched the film. But if the fact that there are over 30 movies in the franchise tells you anything, seems like this solution wasn’t permanent.
Is Godzilla Worth Watching?
As the first true Kaiju film this is essential viewing. It’s emotionally deep, works on multiple levels, and simply put is one of the greatest monster films ever made. The effects seem quaint by today’s standards. But don’t let that fool you. This film has a lot going for it. One of the standout moments is a group of schoolgirls singing after much of the destruction has happened. In short, while this is a creature feature, it is one with real heart.
In Conclusion
You’ve probably seen a Godzilla movie. But not everyone has seen the original. It’s absolutely worth watching and upon each viewing I find a little more to appreciate here. It is in black and white and you likely have to read subtitles unless you speak Japanese but it is worth the effort. Almost all of the Godzilla movies are on HBO Max now so if you’re at all interested, start there with the first Godzilla movie.
Monstrously yours,
Slick Dungeon
PS If you liked this review check out my review of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre!
